Trans charity criticised for sharing misinformation online

The trans charity Mermaids has been ordered by the Charity Commission to remove misinformation about puberty blockers from its website.

In a 22-page report, the commission criticised Mermaids for promoting puberty blockers and chest binders to children, following an inquiry launched in 2022.

The charity had stated that puberty blockers were “safe” and “reversible,” claims which the commission said were not evidence-based.

The inquiry followed concerns raised by the public and MPs, including Miriam Cates and former Prime Minister Liz Truss, regarding “serious safeguarding failures”.

Mermaids has now removed references to puberty blockers from its website.

These drugs are banned in the UK outside clinical trials, as there is insufficient evidence supporting their safety, according to the Cass Review led by Dr Hilary Cass.

The report also highlighted issues with the charity’s chest binder service (the provision of constrictive materials to flatten breasts). Mermaids had issued 125 binders to young people between January 2021 and September 2022, some of whom were as young as 13.

Critics argue chest-binding can cause serious health risks. Although the service was suspended, the commission stressed that parents should be informed if the charity resumes this practice.

Orlando Fraser, the chairman of the Charity Commission, said providing services to children affected by gender identity issues is “a highly challenging area that requires great care and sensitivity”.

“This is especially so for charities, given the authority that registered status will likely carry with children and their families. We have carefully scrutinised Mermaids’ activities through a statutory inquiry and have found mismanagement in a number of areas,” he said.

“Following the Cass Review, we have required Mermaids to present a more accurate picture on its website as to the risks involved in the use of puberty blockers.”